In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lance Baumgard, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how stress affects gut barrier function and dairy cow productivity. He highlights how immune activation redirects nutrients away from milk synthesis and discusses key stressors like heat, overcrowding, and transition periods. Learn how stacked stressors amplify biological responses and impact performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Stress across production systems consistently disrupts gut barrier integrity, allowing harmful compounds to cross into circulation and initiate immune responses that directly reduce dairy cow performance."

Meet the guest: Dr. Lance Baumgard is a Distinguished Professor and Norman L. Jacobson Endowed Professor in Dairy Nutrition at Iowa State University. His research focuses on stress physiology, gut health, and nutrient partitioning in dairy cattle, helping advance understanding of how stress impacts productivity and biological function.

Click here to read the full research article!

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:39) Introduction
• (02:17) Gut barrier
• (03:56) Immune response
• (05:25) Nutrient demand
• (06:52) Glucose priority
• (08:49) Farm stressors
• (12:13) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Barentz

* Fortiva

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this special re-run episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we bring back our conversation with Dr. Mutian Niu, Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, who explains exhalomics, an approach for assessing rumen fermentation by analyzing volatile organic compounds in cattle breath. He discusses how this technique can provide valuable insights into rumen function and help improve cattle health monitoring, with potential applications in managing methane emissions and optimizing dairy production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We’re using exhalomics to study the volatile compounds in cattle breath, which provides new insights into ruminant metabolism and health monitoring."

Meet the guest: Dr. Mutian Niu is an Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition at ETH Zürich, focusing on ruminant nutrition, precision livestock farming, and data science to improve sustainability. He earned his PhD in Animal Sciences and a Master’s in Statistics from UC Davis, with research on methane emissions and rumen metabolism.

Click here to read the full research articles:

Exhalomics as a noninvasive method for assessing rumen fermentation in dairy cows: Can exhaled-breath metabolomics replace rumen sampling?

Exhaled volatile fatty acids, ruminal methane emission, and their diurnal patterns in lactating dairy cows

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:44) Introduction
• (02:39) What is exhalomics?
• (03:55) Why study exhalomics?
• (06:19) Research discoveries
• (07:46) Rumen fermentation analysis
• (09:32) Future of exhalomics
• (12:40) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Fortiva

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Barentz

- DietForge

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Eduardo Rico, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, explains how omega-3 fatty acids influence inflammation and metabolic balance in dairy cows. Discussion includes the biological role of essential fatty acids, the control of inflammation during critical periods such as calving, and challenges related to dietary supply and rumen protection. Learn how nutrition strategies may support healthier immune responses in modern dairy herds. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to controlling inflammation by counteracting pro-inflammatory compounds generated through omega-6 metabolic pathways."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Rico is an Assistant Professor of Population Medicine, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Security at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on how nutrition influences metabolism, inflammation, and health in dairy cows, especially during the transition from gestation to lactation. Work includes studies on fatty acids, metabolic dysfunction, and immune responses in modern dairy systems.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:43) Introduction
• (02:47) Omega-3 role
• (04:52) Inflammation's importance
• (07:33) Omega-6 balance
• (09:18) Stress inflammation
• (10:19) Omega-3 sources
• (15:01) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- Virtus Nutrition

* Fortiva

* Vetagro

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Barentz

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Arthur Behling Neto, professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil, explains the role of sorghum varieties for silage production in tropical regions like Brazil. Discussion highlights productivity, nutritional quality, dry matter management, and how sorghum performs compared with corn under limited rainfall conditions. Learn how different sorghum types support forage systems and dairy nutrition strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Different sorghum categories such as grain, forage, sweet, biomass, and broom types demonstrate the genetic diversity available for distinct agricultural and forage production purposes.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Arthur Behling Neto is a professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil. He earned degrees in Agronomy, Animal Science, and Tropical Agriculture, including doctoral research with international experience in Sweden, focused on forage conservation. Current research examines sorghum varieties, forage conservation, and integrated crop livestock systems that support efficient feed production.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:36) Introduction
• (03:56) Sorghum vs corn
• (05:17) Sorghum types
• (06:25) Sorghum uses
• (08:40) Yield differences
• (12:13) Harvest management
• (14:48) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Adisseo

* Kemin

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Fortiva

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michael Van Amburgh from Cornell University explains how modern dairy cows respond to balanced essential amino acids and why energy-based models reshape requirement predictions. He explains new insights from the CNCPS model, unexpected links between amino acids and milk fat synthesis, and what future high-component cows may be capable of producing. Listen now on all major platforms.

"Energy supply provides a clearer foundation for determining essential amino acid requirements in modern dairy cattle, especially as production levels continue to shift."

Meet the guest: Dr. Mike Van Amburgh is a Professor of Animal Science at Cornell University, where he has been a faculty member for 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Cornell and a BS in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University. He is well known for his work on the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System and his leadership in the Cornell Dairy Fellows program.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:58) Introduction
• (02:44) Guest background
• (03:33) Amino acid needs
• (06:46) Milk fat role
• (10:27) Production potential
• (13:17) Herd performance
• (14:58) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Barentz

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Kemin

* Vetagro

- DietForge

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sonia Rodríguez, Ruminant Technical Innovation Manager at Vetagro, explains how rumen protected organic acids and botanicals support intestinal health in lactating cows. She discusses micro encapsulation technology, heat stress mitigation, inflammation control, and performance outcomes. Learn how improving gut integrity can enhance milk production and farm profitability. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Rumen protected combinations of organic acids and pure botanicals can synergistically reduce undesired bacterial load while supporting intestinal barrier integrity under normal and stressful conditions.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Sonia Rodríguez received her DVM from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, her Master’s in Dairy Science from South Dakota State University, and her PhD in Animal Science from Iowa State University under Dr. Lance Baumgard. Her research focuses on immune activation, heat stress, metabolism, and gastrointestinal health in ruminants. She currently serves as Ruminant Technical Innovation Manager at Vetagro.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:48) Introduction
• (03:27) Rumen protected organics
• (04:42) Micro encapsulation process
• (06:11) Heat stress effects
• (06:55) Research results
• (08:03) Economic benefits
• (08:57) Final Questions

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Kemin

- Virtus Nutrition

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Megan Abeyta from GPS Dairy Consulting breaks down the physiological and metabolic costs of stress, inflammation, and leaky gut in dairy cattle. She explains how heat stress, acidosis, and management practices influence immune activation and productivity losses. Learn how to use practical indicators like rumination data to identify and reduce risk on-farm. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining is compromised, allowing harmful substances like endotoxins into the bloodstream."

Meet the guest: Dr. Megan Abeyta earned her bachelor’s and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Iowa State University, focusing her doctoral research on the impact of stress, hindgut acidosis, and leaky gut on dairy cow health and productivity. Now an Independent Dairy Nutrition and Management Consultant with GPS Dairy Consulting, she brings a science-based, practical approach to farm management.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:21) Introduction
• (02:32) Leaky gut causes
• (03:47) Inflammation and energy
• (06:01) Biomarker indicators
• (08:38) Identifying farm stressors
• (10:04) Diet-energy balance
• (12:10) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Vetagro

* Barentz

* Fortiva

* Adisseo

* Kemin

- DietForge

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mike VandeHaar from Michigan State University discusses his recent studies on short-stature corn hybrids and their impact on dairy cow performance. He breaks down how these hybrids perform in yield, fiber digestibility, and milk production, and what that could mean for on-farm feed efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The short corn varieties showed better fiber digestibility than the tall hybrid we tested."

Meet the guest: Dr. Mike VandeHaar is a Professor of Animal Science at Michigan State University, where he’s been teaching and conducting research in dairy cattle nutrition and feed efficiency since 1988. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Iowa State University. His work focuses on improving dairy production efficiency through nutrition and genetics.

Click here to learn more!

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:42) Introduction
• (02:47) Short corn variety research
• (04:51) Fiber digestibility results
• (07:10) Energy-corrected milk yield
• (08:56) Hybrid yield comparisons
• (11:07) Practical recommendations
• (12:20) Closing thoughts

The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Fortiva

* Kemin

* Adisseo

* Barentz

* Vetagro

- DietForge

- Virtus Nutrition

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast